Bard envisions the liberal arts institution as the hub of a network, rather than a single, self-contained campus. Numerous institutes for special study are available on and off campus, connecting Bard students to the greater community.

The Center for Civic Engagement at Bard College embodies the fundamental belief that education and civil society are inextricably linked. In an age of information overload, it is more important than ever that citizens be educated and trained to think critically and be actively engaged with issues affecting public life.

Press Release

Bard College Offers Free College Course in the Humanities in Kingston, NY

Application Deadline Extended Through September 16, 2011

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—The Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities will offer a college-level introduction to the humanities—philosophy, literature, U.S. history, art history, and critical thinking and writing—this fall in Kingston, New York, to adults living on low incomes. Students attend at no cost. Tuition, books, and childcare will be provided. Students who successfully complete the course earn 6 college credits from Bard College. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., from September to May, at the Kingston Library.

The Bard College Clemente Course in Kingston is now accepting applications for fall. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older; living in a household with low income; able to read a newspaper in English; highly motivated and committed; and have the time and desire to attend classes regularly, complete assignments outside of class, and participate fully in the course for the entire 9-month term. Older adults are welcome. Please note that the application deadline has been extended and that interested students may apply through September 16, 2011. Applications are available at the Kingston Library, 55 Franklin Street, at the circulation desk during regular business hours. For hours, please call 845-331-0507 or go to www.kingstonlibrary.org/hours.php. For more information about the Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities being offered in Kingston, please contact David Shein at shein@bard.edu or 845-758-7454.

ABOUT THE BARD COLLEGE CLEMENTE COURSE IN THE HUMANITIES

The Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities provides college-level instruction, for college credit, to economically disadvantaged individuals. Begun as a pilot project on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Clemente Course is currently in its 16th year of operation. Overall, the program has enrolled over 3,000 students. More than 2,000 have completed the course; and earned college credit; and more than 1,500 students have transferred to four-year colleges and universities or plan to do so.

The program is based on the belief that by studying the humanities, participants acquire the cultural capital, conceptual skills, and appreciation for reasoned discourse necessary to improve their societal situation. Clemente students receive 110 hours of instruction in five humanistic disciplines and explore the great works of literature, art history, moral philosophy, and American history. Instruction in critical thinking and writing is also offered. The program removes many of the financial barriers to higher education that low-income individuals face: books, carfare, and childcare are provided, and tuition is free. Bard grants a certificate of achievement to any student completing the Clemente Course and 6 college credits to those completing it at a high level of academic performance. For more information, please visit: http://clementecourse.org.